Frequently Asked Questions

A: ECAS is part of an overarching information technology modernization effort at EOIR. ECAS was first introduced in July 2018 to phase out paper filing and processing, and to retain all records and case-related documents in electronic format. Now fully implemented at all immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), ECAS supports the full life cycle of an immigration case including: electronic filing of court and appeals documents, processing and receiving filings, maintaining electronic Records of Proceedings (eROPs), preparing case information, conducting a hearing, and adjudicating appeals, while providing cost and time savings for all parties.

ECAS is composed of multiple applications dedicated to different stakeholders, including:

• ECAS Case Portal for attorneys and fully accredited representatives.
• ECAS DHS Portal for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) users.
• ECAS Payment Portal for those paying filing fees related to appeals.
• Respondent Access for unrepresented (pro se) individuals.

Under the e-Government Act of 2002 and Office of Management and Budget Directive M-19-21, Transition of Electronic Records (June 28, 2019), all permanent records in Federal agencies will be managed electronically by December 31, 2022.

A: With 24 hours/7 days a week self-service access to ECAS, registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives (after entering their appearance on behalf of respondents) can:

• Submit court and appeal documents electronically, such as motions;
• Initiate an appeal;
• Pay Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) filing fees or calculate fee waiver eligibility;
• View, download, and print electronic Records of Proceedings (eROPs) and case details;
• Review accepted/rejected status of submitted documents;
• Access orders, decisions, notifications;
• View calendar of future hearings for respondents they represent;
• Request bond redetermination proceedings; and
• Receive timely email notifications when new documents are accepted into the eROP.

ECAS also saves time and minimizes expenses by reducing paper filing, and enhances case management and communication by providing authorized respondents’ representatives, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ICE OPLA, the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ), and the BIA with a shared, accurate, and current understanding of the evidence and latest decisions and orders. In addition, with ECAS, parties can view a common set of documents during hearings simultaneously.

A: Yes. As of February 11, 2022, DHS and all attorneys and fully accredited representatives are required to electronically file all documents with the immigration courts and the BIA in all cases eligible for electronic filing. For DHS, the application is ECAS DHS Portal. For attorneys and fully accredited representatives, the application is ECAS Case Portal. Although not required, unrepresented respondents may electronically file certain documents through EOIR’s electronic filing application known as Respondent Access.

A: All attorneys and accredited representatives must ensure that they have completed the eRegistry process with EOIR and have a valid e-mail address on file. Users should also familiarize themselves with Case Portal, including reviewing the Terms and Conditions if the user has not previously accessed Case Portal. For more information on the eRegistry process, please see eRegistration Validation Process (justice.gov). Registered users who need to retrieve their User ID or reset their password can find those options on Home (justice.gov).

A: Attorneys and fully accredited representatives must register online and then have their identity validated if they wish to represent a noncitizen in immigration proceedings. Registration is for individuals only, not law firms or organizations. At this time, representatives with partial accreditation, law students, law graduates, reputable individuals, or accredited foreign government officials may not register.

After you fill out the online form, you need to complete the required identification validation process within 90 days. Once completed, you will receive an EOIR identification number (EOIR ID). You must complete the registration process as a condition to practice before EOIR. For more information on how to register, please refer to the Attorney and Fully Accredited Representative Registration Instructions.

A: You must append your User ID with @gtw.eoir.justice.gov when logging into the application.

A: Your User ID will appear in the emails that EOIR sends you regarding the status of your registration. If you do not have those emails on file, there is a Forgot User ID option on the portal that you can use to retrieve your User ID. It will be sent to the email address associated with your account. You first must read and agree to the warning on the Disclaimer page before you can access this option.

A: There is a Forgot Password option on the portal, which will allow you to reset the password. You first must read and agree to the warning on the Disclaimer page before you can access this option.

A: Your account will be locked after 365 calendar days of inactivity and you will need to contact eRegistration.info@usdoj.gov to unlock your account. Your User ID and password will remain the same.

A: If you have an account under one name, but have legally changed your name since registering, please scan and email copies of the certified name change order or marriage certificate and an updated government-issued form of photo ID to eRegistration.info@usdoj.gov. EOIR staff will contact you via email once your name change request has been processed.

A: Case Portal is the component of ECAS built for the attorneys and fully accredited representatives who practice in EOIR immigration courts or before the BIA.

For a specific case, once your Notice of Entry of Appearance is accepted, in ECAS Case Portal you will be able to view your client’s case information and hearing calendar. If the case is eligible for electronic filing, you can electronically file documents and download the electronic Record of Proceedings (eROP).

A: Electronic filing via Case Portal is mandatory for attorneys and fully accredited representatives in cases eligible for electronic filing.

A: Yes. Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives, who have an approved Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 on file for a case can view their clients’ case information, download eROPs, and electronically file case-related documents in ECAS Case Portal in cases eligible for electronic filing.

A: EOIR will complete electronic service on behalf of the parties for all documents that are electronically filed through ECAS in cases eligible for electronic filing, so long as both parties are participating in ECAS. For service purposes, DHS and private attorneys and fully accredited representatives are always considered to be participating in ECAS.

A: Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives may view all cases in which they have an accepted Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 on file for that case until 180 days after a case is closed or an appeal for the case is pending for which the representative does not have an EOIR-27 filed. If the case is associated with more than one registered attorney or fully accredited representative, then all associated registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives will be able to view the case. Both immigration court and BIA cases are viewable in Case Portal.

A: To represent a noncitizen, registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives may electronically file a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-27), and a Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Immigration Court (Form EOIR-28) in ECAS Case Portal. After logging in, click the Appearances link in the header and then the appropriate File button. Completing and filing these forms generates a PDF version that is stored in an electronic Record of Proceedings (eROP) in Case Portal if an eROP exists.

A: Filing the Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 online is mandatory for attorneys and fully accredited representatives in cases eligible for electronic filing. If a case is not eligible for electronic filing, filing the Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 in ECAS Case Portal is highly encouraged, or the attorney/fully accredited representative may download, fill out, and file the form directly at the court or BIA. For paper filing, Form EOIR-27 and Form EOIR-28 can be found in the List of Downloadable EOIR Forms.

A: Yes. For now, EOIR cannot accept electronic filing of the following documents, and users must paper file these documents with the immigration court or BIA.

At the immigration courts, users are unable to file a Form EOIR-28 with:

• Any case prior to the filing of a Notice to Appear (NTA) with the Immigration Court;
• Motions to recalendar proceedings that are administratively closed;
• Cases that are pending on appeal before the BIA (in such instances a Form EOIR-27 should be filed with the BIA); this does not include interlocutory appeals;
• Disciplinary proceedings; and
• Appearance by an attorney “on behalf of” the attorney of record at a specific hearing before the Immigration Court.

At the BIA, users are unable to electronically file documents in cases arising from USCIS District Director appeals, which includes:

• Decisions involving fines and penalties;
• Decisions of adjudicating officials in practitioner disciplinary proceedings;
• Decisions of a DHS officer (unless DHS has transferred the record to BIA);
• Decisions on denials of advance permission to enter the U.S. (unless DHS has transferred the record to BIA); and
• Decision of a DHS district director regarding bond (unless DHS has transferred the record to the BIA).

A: Change of address or phone number must be recorded on the Change of Address/Contact Information Form Immigration Court (Form EOIR-33/IC) or the Change of Address/Contact Information Form Board of Immigration Appeals (Form EOIR-33/BIA), and can be found in the List of Downloadable EOIR Forms. Attorneys and fully accredited representatives must submit the form electronically via ECAS Case Portal within five (5) business days of the change of address or phone number, in cases eligible for electronic filing. Alternatively, in cases not eligible for electronic filing, attorneys and fully accredited representatives can file the form in paper via mail or in person within five (5) business days.

A: Registered attorneys and fully accredited representatives may change their physical or email address or other contact information electronically by completing a two-step process. First, log into Case Portal, select User Profile Maintenance, and update the physical or email address or contact information on file. Second, refile Forms EOIR-27 and EOIR-28 for any pending cases with the new address(es) or contact information, checking the New Address box on the form.

A: Yes, there is a View All button on the Case Portal home screen that provides a list of all cases the user represents.

A: Registered attorneys or fully accredited representatives who have an accepted Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 on file for a case may download a copy of the eROP as one consolidated PDF file within the individual case details in Case Portal. If the Request Download button is not available, the case ROP is maintained on paper and the existing paper processes will remain in place. The requested copy of the consolidated eROP will be available within 24 hours from when the request is submitted.

A: Once a court case is completed, an attorney or fully accredited representative with a valid EOIR-28 on file for that case can view and download the eROP in Case Portal for 180 days, or until an appeal is pending at the BIA. If an appeal is pending, the attorney or fully accredited representative must have an EOIR-27 on file to view and download the eROP.

To obtain a copy of eROP documents after these periods, the attorney or fully accredited representative must submit a FOIA request. Alternatively, if the request is urgent, the attorney or fully accredited representative may contact the immigration court with administrative control over the record of proceedings to coordinate access to documents at the court’s discretion. These access restrictions do not affect the ability to electronically file documents, such as a motion to reopen.

A: Any EOIR-registered attorney or fully accredited representative who has an accepted Form EOIR-27 or Form EOIR-28 on file for a case that is eligible for electronic filing may electronically file documents on behalf of their clients in an immigration court or the BIA.

A: No. Please call the automated case information hotline at 1-800-898-7180 (local toll call 304-625-2050) or TDD: 800-828-1120 for case processing clock information.

A: No. Digital audio recordings of hearings are unavailable through Case Portal at this time.

A: Yes. Authorized DHS attorneys can log into ECAS DHS Portal to view their case details, submit case documents (e.g., motions, evidence, appeals); view, download, and print eROPs; view status of submitted documents; and access orders, decisions, and notifications.

A: Yes. DHS is required to electronically file documents in cases eligible for electronic filing being heard in the immigration courts and BIA regardless of whether the respondent has representation. However, DHS is still required to serve pro se respondents in paper.

A: There is no specific time designation for the court to accept filings. The time it takes to accept an electronic filing is contingent upon court operations. The date a document was electronically submitted is considered the filing date, regardless of when the document is accepted by the court, provided the document is accepted by the court. Upon upload, a watermark containing the filing date and time is applied on the electronically submitted document.

Re-submitted, previously rejected filings arriving after a filing deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the circumstances of the filing. See EOIR Policy Manual (“The Immigration Judge retains the authority to determine how to treat an untimely filing.”).

A: Yes. The application restricts file formats to PDF (including PDF/A), JPG, and JPEG. Documents must be 25MB or less. Resolution for documents must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). We recommend scanning or creating PDF documents in black/white (i.e., gray scale) whenever feasible to reduce the file size. All files are scanned for viruses before being accepted. Please see the ECAS User Manual for more information.

A: Yes. Attorneys and accredited representatives can upload documents using an approved digital/electronic signature format. For more information, please reference the ECAS User Manual.

A: Registered attorneys and accredited representatives will receive an email from EOIR confirming receipt of the document. Upon review of the submission, EOIR will send a second email confirming whether or not the document was officially included into an eROP. If the submission is rejected, the email will include the reasons why the submission was rejected. Registered attorneys and accredited representatives can also view the document status within Case Portal.

A: Case Portal should work with most popular browsers. However, it has been validated and is supported by EOIR Technical Support using Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

A: Pro se respondents can file Form EOIR-33, Change of Address, online through the Respondent Access application. Otherwise, they must continue to file documents using current non-ECAS processes, and are encouraged to contact organizations that can provide legal assistance. For a list of non-profit organizations and attorneys who may be able to help, please see the list of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers located at EOIR’s Find Legal Representation webpage.

A: Please see OPPM 09-01, Classified Information in Immigration Court Proceedings.

A: Please follow the established process for non-electronic filings provided in the Immigration Court Practice Manual and the Board of Immigration Appeals Practice Manual. The evidence must be submitted directly to the appropriate EOIR immigration court.

A: Yes. Electronic filing of appeals and motions with the BIA is available. BIA filing fees associated with the Notice of Appeal from a Decision of an Immigration Judge (Form EOIR-26) and related BIA motions, can be electronically paid with your submission.

A: EOIR does not have jurisdiction to commence proceedings until an NTA is filed. Before the NTA is filed, USCIS has jurisdiction over any asylum applications. Once an NTA is filed with EOIR, attorneys and fully accredited representatives can electronically file an asylum application through ECAS Case Portal in cases eligible for electronic filing.

A: Files must be submitted based on the time zone where the case is being seen, either US Eastern Time for the BIA or the time zone of the individual immigration court. Timezones across the United States can be found on the National Institute of Standards and Technology website.

A: Filing deadline extensions depend on the nature of the system outage. For planned system outages announced more than 5 days in advance, users must file their documents within any existing filing deadlines. For unplanned outages or planned outages with 5 or fewer days’ notice that occur on the last day for filing in a case, filing deadlines will be extended to the first day that the electronic filing application becomes accessible that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. EOIR will provide public communication of any outages.

A: Case Portal allows attorneys and accredited representatives with filed entries of appearance to view their clients’ case information, upload case-related documents, and download eROPs. Case Portal provides information on all proceedings. The Automated Case Information System and the Automated Case Information Hotline provides information only on the latest case appeal, latest Motions to Reopen, and most recent charging document.

A: The calendar function only shows pending hearings. Prior hearings are no longer viewable on the calendar.

A: To obtain an eROP for a case for which you are not the officially recognized attorney or representative of record, you may submit a FOIA request. These will be treated as third-party requests.

A: Submit a FOIA request. Alternatively, if the request is urgent, the requestor may contact the immigration court with administrative control over the record of proceedings to coordinate access to documents at the court’s discretion.

A. Please check the EOIR Operational Status webpage for updates and changes to court operations nationwide.

A. Please submit comments or suggestions for future enhancements to ECAS.